This guide explains the differences between a Domain (or main website), a Subdomain, and an Alias.

Introduction

• Although they are related, these three elements (Domain, Subdomain, and Alias) have different functions and purposes.
• They can impact a Web Hosting service via its domain name, or even the email service, as it is perfectly possible to have email addresses on a subdomain, for example.

What is a Domain?

A domain or domain name is the main entry point to your website. It is through this domain that your users will access your content. This main domain defines what will appear in the URL bar of your users' browsers.

Prerequisites

• You must own a domain.
• Have an Infomaniak web hosting plan.

Refer to the guide Create a new website on your web hosting.

What is a Subdomain?

A Subdomain is represented by an additional word that appears before your main domain name. This is very useful in several cases, for example:

• this can be used to display "exclusive" or targeted content, for example, by going to faq.infomaniak.com, you will access the knowledge base where all the guides are located.
• it can also be used (temporarily or permanently) when creating a new website or redesigning an existing one, for example by creating new.domain.xyz when the main website was previously domain.xyz.

Prerequisites

• You must own at least one domain.
• Have an Infomaniak Web Hosting plan.

Refer to the guide Add a subdomain to your Web Hosting.

What is an Alias?

An Alias or Domain Alias is a second domain name that points directly to your main website; whether accessed through the linked domain or the main domain, they share the same web pages. The alias is another access point to your website. For example, the main website of the Swiss Confederation is www.ch.ch and www.suisse.ch is its alias.

Prerequisites

• You must own several domain names.
• Have an Infomaniak web hosting plan.

Refer to the guide Add an alias to your web hosting.

The equivalent also exists for a Mail Service.

The benefit of an Alias is that it allows you to increase the visibility of your site among your target audience by providing them with more ways to access it.